Sarasota County resident Jack Perkins, formerly of NBC News and A&Es Biography, hosts this locally produced monthly series showcasing Venice, Sarasota and the adjacent communities.

In October of 2004, The Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice awarded WEDU a grant for $178,014, the largest programming grant the station has ever received in its 45 year history, allowing WEDU to produce this monthly magazine focusing on Sarasota County. "Our Foundation Board wants to highlight for our communities and the entire WEDU viewing area how connected we all are, and to illuminate the wonderful stories and good works happening in our communities every day. We see WEDU and A Gulf Coast Journal as a perfect way to accomplish both goals," said Teri A. Hansen, President/CEO Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice.

A Gulf Coast Journal with Jack Perkins received one Emmy nomination in its first year in 2004, 3 Emmy Awards and 6 nominations in 2005 and 3 Emmy nominations in 2006. The Emmy catagories included news and public affairs, feature segments, camera work, and writing.